 The Ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) voiced its position over the OSCE Baku Office's recommendations for the elections. "Election campaigns are conducted on public television nowhere in the world - neither in the U.S. nor in Europe. There is one state-run television, which broadcasts public events and public events in Azerbaijan," NAP Deputy Executive Secretary, MP Siyavush Novruzov said today. The OSCE Baku Office announced earlier a number of principles to help ensure equitable media coverage ahead of the November parliamentary elections, following discussions at a roundtable event with political parties earlier this week. The following four main recommendations emerged as a result of the discussions: More than three hours per week of unpaid air time should be offered to political parties and candidates on both public television and public radio during the election campaign period. One third of this time should be allocated for debates and the rest for the candidates, to be used independently by the political parties; Opportunities to participate in news programmes, live forums, talk shows and other programming should be offered to representatives from all political parties on a non-discriminatory basis; Nationwide and regional private television channels should be encouraged to participate in the election campaign period and provide air time; Article 77.1 of the Election Code should be repealed to allow AzTV (the former state TV channel) to offer air time during the election campaign period. According to Novruzov, the Azerbaijani Public television channel provides airtime to candidates under the Electoral Code and creates equal opportunities. "The private television channels may grant airtime under the contract. There is no mechanism for free campaigning nowhere in the world," he added. Novruzov's view on increasing the number of political programs on television was definite. "The world television channels mostly fill the airtime with social transfers and advertising. If the world observers such processes, why the political advertising should be increased in Azerbaijan rather than social?" Novruzov said. Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are scheduled for Nov. 7. The elections are held by the majority system in 125 constituencies. Trend | 
